The climate of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, located in
Spain, is characterized by a stable climatic condition that falls under the Mid-latitude steppe in the Köppen climate classification, BSk. These climates typically boast a dry, hot summer and a cold winter.
Throughout the year, average temperature ranges vary relatively little, reaching highs from 18°C (64.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), and lows between 12°C (53.6°F) and 19°C (66.2°F). However, the warmest months are traditionally from
June to
September with average highs of 23°C (73.4°F) to 26°C (78.8°F), while the cooler months from
December to
March observe average highs of 18°C (64.4°F) to 20°C (68°F).
Rainfall in Puerto Rico is not evenly distributed throughout the year. Higher volumes of rain are experienced from
October to December, with
November and December averaging 49mm (1.93") and 51mm (2.01") of rainfall respectively. In comparison, the period from
May to September is significantly drier with rainfall levels not exceeding 8mm (0.31") during these months while
July and
August almost see no rainfall.
The daylight and sunshine hours follow a similar pattern. Maximum daylight hours are experienced during June at 13.9 hours and July at 13.7 hours, and the least during December at 10.4 hours. Sunshine hours peak at 10 hours during July and are at their least during for December and
January at 6 hours. The UV indexes also showcase a similar fluctuation throughout the year, elevating during the summer months and plummeting during winter.
The best time to visit Puerto Rico
Visiting
Puerto Rico is most desirable during the summer months from
May to
September. The weather during this period is warm with highs hitting 21°C (69.8°F) to 26°C (78.8°F) and lows not dropping below 14°C (57.2°F). This period also coincides with the lowest rainfall, averaging between 1mm (0.04") to 8mm (0.31") each month making outdoor activities and exploration more accessible. The sea temperature also favorable, warming up from 20.3°C (68.5°F) in May to reaching 23.6°C (74.5°F) in September, perfect for water sports or swimming.
The worst time to visit Puerto Rico
Autumn, particularly
November and
December, may not be the ideal time for a visit to
Puerto Rico due to the increase in rainfall levels. These rainy conditions may affect outdoor activities and dampen the overall experience. However, visitors who prefer cooler temperatures and do not mind the occasional rain might still enjoy their visit during these months.
Spring weather in Puerto Rico
Spring in
Puerto Rico, encompassing
March,
April, and
May, welcomes a mild climate with rising temperatures and decreasing rainfall. Temperatures often range from 13°C (55.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F), with both daylight and sunshine hours gradually increasing as we move from the winter months. Sea temperatures also begin to warm up, reaching 20.3°C (68.5°F) by the end of May.
Summer weather in Puerto Rico
Summer in
Puerto Rico, extending from
June through
September, is characterized by warm temperatures and low rainfall. There is an average high of 25°C (77°F) in June, reaching a peak of 26°C (78.8°F) in
August while lows observe a steady increase from 16°C (60.8°F) to 19°C (66.2°F). The summer months also present the longest daylight hours and largest amount of sunshine, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Puerto Rico
Autumn in
Puerto Rico, including
October and
November, brings about a dramatic increase in rainfall, with November receiving the highest amount of 49mm (1.93"). Temperatures begin to cool down, but remain comfortable ranging between average highs of 23°C (73.4°F) to 21°C (69.8°F) and lows of 17°C (62.6°F) to 15°C (59°F). As November approaches, daylight hours and sea temperatures also begin to decrease gradually.
Winter weather in Puerto Rico
Winter months in
Puerto Rico feature milder temperatures with highs ranging from 18°C (64.4°F) to 20°C (68°F) and lows between 12°C (53.6°F) to 13°C (55.4°F). This season, covering
December through
February, observes the shortest amount of daylight hours, drops in sunshine hours, and sees a surge in rainfall especially in December with an average of 51mm (2.01"). The sea temperatures cool down, dropping from 22.3°C (72.1°F) in December to 19.3°C (66.7°F) by February. This period is the least inviting for beach activities.
Weather in January
The opening of the year brings to
Puerto Rico a balance of mild and wet conditions, with the chill of winter slightly noticeable. Rainfall intensifies this month, culminating in an average of 45mm (1.77") over three days precedently noted.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As
February unfolds,
Puerto Rico experiences a negligible shift in its climatic pattern from the preceding month. With rainfall slightly easing, precipitation decreases on average from 45mm (1.77") to 41mm (1.61"). Soft whispers of the Mediterranean spring can be sensed nearing the end of the month as daylight hours increase.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in hints of the approaching spring in
Puerto Rico, greatly diminishing the winter's cold grip. A noticeable decrease in rainfall occurs, falling to 29mm (1.14"), which is indicative of the changing seasons. In contrast to the previous months, the daylight hours noticeably increase.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April provides a pleasant weather transformation as spring eventually subsides the winter nip in
Puerto Rico. The dry spell continues with rainfall decreasing further to 23mm (0.91"), accentuating the warmth and sunshine. Sea wattles dance under the brilliant light as daylight lengthens even more.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May represents the gateway to summer for
Puerto Rico, introducing perceptible warmth and extended sunlight. The amount of rainfall drops significantly to 8mm (0.31"), bolstering the summery atmosphere. Daylight peaks, offering longer hours of outdoor enjoyment.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June certifies the arrival of summer in
Puerto Rico, with obvious escalation in temperatures. The almost absence of rain, recorded at 3mm (0.12"), fortifies the sunny setting. The backdrop of near ceaseless daylight and high UV index demands protective measures from residents.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Puerto Rico is fully submerged in summer, presenting copious sunshine and longer daylight hours. Peaking at 25°C (77°F), this month hosts the highest average air temperature. The Mediterranean Sea also exudes the warmest touch, inviting for extended swimming sessions.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August, the sunniest month, perpetuates the intense summer weather in
Puerto Rico. The dry conditions persist, with rainfall amounting to only 1mm (0.04"). Providing utmost daylight and elevated UV index, sun protection remains indispensable.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September represents a gradual departure from the summer season in
Puerto Rico. As rainfall increases to 12mm (0.47"), the intense dry spell witnesses a mild break. A slight decrease in daylight hours is registered. Sea temperatures remain quite warm, favouring aquatic leisure activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees an interplay of residual summer and arriving autumn vibes in
Puerto Rico. Rainfall marks a conspicuous rise, measuring 28mm (1.1") from its previous lower value of 12mm (0.47"). The shrinking daylight foretells the approach of winter, while the sea begins its cooling trend.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November heralds the winter season in
Puerto Rico while banishing the residues of summer. A sharp surge in rainfall to 49mm (1.93") signifies the transition to a wetter season. Daylight hours lessen even more, indicating the pre-winter transition.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December wraps up the year in
Puerto Rico with the chill of winter and consistent rainfall, signifying the peak of the wet season. The precipitation reaches its zenith at 51mm (2.01"), exceeding all months prior. An all-year low daylight duration serves as a strong winter indicator.
Weather in December »